Remembery Capsule

So this is the project I mentioned the other day. The Remembery Capsule: A little cylinder of memories that have been captured in personalized tokens.

I made this remembery capsule for some friends of mine as a wedding gift and finally gave it to them last night. I say finally because, well, they got married in 2006. I know, it is so far beyond the wedding gift etiquette, I should be ashamed of myself.

This no-longer-newlywed couple is not your average duo. They are hikers, skiers, fishermen, engineers, crafters, marketing gurus, gardeners, business owners, oh—and they just built a house, much of it with their own hands. They truly live life to the fullest, and they have sought experiences in many places around the country and the globe.

It was only fitting that their wedding gift reflect their many adventures together. I chose topo maps for the notable locations where they have spent their time and put each one in a token, with the corresponding date.

Each token fits neatly into the capsule.

The tokens are made from two copper discs, riveted together, with the map sandwiched in between.

Tiny sterling silver skis were soldered to the top, to make the box more personal for the bride and groom (ok—you're right, maybe I shouldn't call them that three years after the fact).

The best part of all? I left plenty of room to add more tokens as they continue their adventurous journey together.

I plan to offer the Remembery Capsules in my shop soon, customizable for any occasion. They can document a family's journey (wedding pic, new home, one for each child, pets, etc...), or celebrate a single occasion (a capsule full of wedding photos), a child's life (birth, kindergarten, first lost tooth, etc...), or whatever you can dream up (a capsule full of bird illustrations, because you love birds, for example). I made one for my own family that I will share with you soon.

About the name:

The word remembery was invented by my then-three-year-old daughter who confused the words remember and memory. We love that word, and we use it all the time. Maybe you'll add that one to your vocabulary, too!

New Lines, Different Directions

As I mentioned, things have started to take shape again the the metals shop. The unplanned hiatus turned out to be a great break, and I returned to the jeweler's bench with renewed inspiration, motivation, and lots of new ideas. These ideas, while clearly formed, have resulted in a mish-mash of the many different paths my imagination takes me on. And it's interesting, the directions the designs are headed in. From rustic to contemporary, I am wondering if I am going to be able to pull this off—blending very different styles while still keeping a coherent body of work. I'll take you on a tour of my latest work and see if I can't demonstrate how they connect in a way that makes sense.

First, there's a new "Raw" line of simple shapes with a rustic feel to them, like the Raw Oval Earrings (below). Thoroughly beaten up, each piece will be new take on a classic—an oval dangle, a round pendant, or a teardrop earring, for example. The "Raw" pieces will be perfect for everyday wear, but will also bring a natural feel to a more formal occasion.

In relation to the "Raw" line, the new "Pastoral" series will reflect a natural sentiment, but by depicting simple scenes of the outside world, rather than through texture. While the organic effect of the oxidized interior lends to their provincial quality, these scenes are given a more urban feel by being cut from a highly-polished dome. The Tree Scene Necklace , shown below, is the first in this series.

Lastly, a new line of mirrored pieces in the works called SpyWear, which is an expansion on the original mirrored line. These pieces feature a simple shape (my design, or choose your own) cut from a small dome, then set in a bezel that holds a mirror inside. With dramatic contrast, the shape and darkened dome are set apart from the shine of the mirror's reflection.

The SpyWear line has a notably contemporary edge to it, in contrast to the other lines, but simplicity and a featured form is what makes all the new pieces relate to each other.

I will be expanding all three lines over the next few weeks. Check back here, or at my Etsy shop to see what comes of these three design endeavors.

As for the Jewelry...

You may have noticed and absence of all things metal in my recent posts. It's true—I have spent very few hours in my workshop. With the kids home, it is impossible for me to sneak downstairs and get any work done, so we have been spending our days knitting, sewing, and cooking together. And, oh, how I am loving that the girls are big enough to participate in these activities in a much greater capacity than ever before.

As for the jewelry...

I am excited for the recent inquiry by a very interesting online store, for the gold I just purchased, and for the new line I have designed. Now, to actually fabricate those pieces...that's another story.

Blog Debut

The first blog post!

This is a good time to let you know what AGA Elemental is all about:
my influences
my interests
my jewelry

Or, to be specific: nature, metal, all things handmade and local, fashion, sustainable living, books, the craft world, gardening, design, creative inspirations and last but not least, trying to make a living through my craft

Please join me as I explore this vast world of crafts and the Internet in an effort to nurture an awareness of handmade crafts, inspire people, promote my own work and the outstanding work of others, and become entrenched in this community of bloggers and crafters and tweeters and...